Control system and units removably attachable to the same

ABSTRACT

A control system having device units removably attachable to a control device such as a computer is arranged to optimize the allocation and distribution of electric power to the device units and also displays of varied kinds. For this purpose, each device unit of the system includes a communication circuit arranged to transmit information of electric power consumption and an operating state of the device unit detachably connected to the control device such as a computer, a stopping circuit for partly stopping a function of the device unit according to a control signal sent in reply from the control device on the basis of information of varied kinds transmitted through the transmission circuit to the control device. The control device, on the other hand, includes a communication circuit arranged to receive the information on the device unit from the device unit, and a control circuit arranged to compare the information of electric power consumption and the operating state received by the communication circuit with information of the amount of electric power which can be supplied to the device unit and to send the control signal to the device unit for partly stopping the function of the device unit according to the result of comparison. Further, the control device changes a display made therein and controls the operation of the device unit according to information of the operating state and the connected state of the device unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a control system, a power supplydevice, a device unit, an image pickup system, etc., in which aplurality of device units such as an image pickup unit, etc., areremovably attached for use to a control device.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Computers of the kind having connection terminals such as PCMCIAslots are generally arranged to use card-shaped device units arranged tofunction differently as a facsimile, memories, etc., with these deviceunits inserted into the connection terminals. The connection terminalsare arranged not to limit the usable device units. The operator of sucha computer is, therefore, allowed to select any of such card-shapeddevice units having a desired function. FIG. 1 shows by way of examplean image pickup system including a computer and an image pickup unitremovably attachable to the computer. The image pickup system isdescribed by way of example as follows.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, the image pickup system includes an imagepickup unit (camera unit) 23 which is formed in a card-like shape, acomputer 25 and a connection terminal 26 provided for connecting theimage pickup unit 23 to the computer 25.

[0006] The image pickup system picks up an image by means of an opticalsystem and a CCD which are disposed within the image pickup unit 23. Theimage picked up is converted into digital data. The picked-up image datais transferred via the connection terminal 26 to the computer 25. Thecomputer 25 contains therein a display device and a recording device.The picked-up image data from the image pickup unit 23 is displayed andrecorded by the computer 25.

[0007] In the image pickup system shown in FIG. 1, the computer 25 hasanother connection terminal 27. A device unit 24 having a function whichdiffers from the function of the image pickup unit 23 is connected tothe connection terminal 27, which is arranged to function in the samemanner as the connection terminal 26. Any device unit that can beconnected to one of the connection terminals 26 and 27 is connectablealso to the other connection terminal.

[0008] The device unit 24 is, for example, arranged to function as afacsimile (hereinafter referred to as a fax card). With the fax card 24connected to the connection terminal 27, the picked-up image datarecorded within the computer 25 is transmitted. The computer 25 controlsthe image pickup unit 23 and the fax card 24 which are respectivelyconnected to the connection terminals 26 and 27 and, at the same time,also supplies electric power to them.

[0009] The image pickup system shown in FIG. 1 which is configured asdescribed above is capable of performing an image pickup action,recording and displaying the picked-up image data and, with the fax card24 connected to the computer 25, transmitting the picked-up image data.In a case where the image pickup unit 23 or the fax card 24 is not used,it may be used for some other apparatuses by detaching it from theconnection terminal 26 or 27.

[0010] The method employed for the above-stated system, however, haspresented the following problem.

[0011] The computer 25 constantly supplies electric power to theconnected device units irrespectively of the operating or nonoperatingstate of the device units. Accordingly, even when only the fax card 24is being used while the image pickup unit 23 is also attached to thecomputer 25 but is not being used, the computer 25 supplies electricpower also to the image pickup unit 23, so that electric power iswasted. Alternatively, even when only the image pickup unit 23 is beingused with the fax card 24 not being used, the computer 25 supplieselectric power also to the fax card 24, so that electric power iswasted.

[0012] In cases where the computer 25 is arranged to be driven by theelectric energy of a power source of a limited capacity such as abattery or the like, the amount of electric power consumed by the deviceunits connected to the connection terminals of the computer 25 presentsa serious problem. When a total of electric power consumed by the deviceunits connected to the computer 25 is larger than the amount of electricpower which can be supplied from the computer 25, one of or all of thedevice units connected to the computer 25 become inoperative or thecomputer 25 might come to malfunction. Such a malfunction has oftencaused the image pickup system to stop operating.

[0013] Further, in cases where an image pickup action is a primaryfunction, electric power tends to be consumed so much by the fax card 24to prevent adequate fulfillment of the image pickup action. In such acase, it has been necessary either to remove the fax card 24 from thecomputer 25 or to manually cut off the supply of electric power to thefax card 24.

[0014] Further, the image pickup system and an image signal processingdevice related thereto have presented the following problems.

[0015] There has been no means for enabling the operator of the imagepickup system or the computer to confirm the connected state of theimage pickup unit. Therefore, if a program of control over the imagepickup unit happens to be executed in a state of having the image pickupunit not adequately connected to the computer, either the program or thecomputer might malfunction to necessitate a long period of time beforeresumption of its normal state.

[0016] Further, with the computer having a plurality of connectionterminals, if the connection terminal to which the image pickup unit isconnectable is limited among the plurality of connection terminals,there is a probability that the image pickup unit will be connected to awrong connection terminal.

[0017] Further, there has been no means for enabling the operator of theimage pickup system or the computer to confirm the operating state ofthe image pickup unit. Therefore, if the picked-up image data is notmonitored by means of a display device contained in the computer, it hasbeen impossible to confirm the operating state of the image pickup unit.Even in a case where the picked-up image data is arranged to bemonitored, it has been sometimes hardly possible to intuitionally knowthe data of operation such as the image pickup speed of the image pickupunit and the number of colors in use, etc.

[0018] Further, the image pickup system has been provided with no meansfor enabling the operator of the image pickup system to know the pickupconditions under which previous image data has been obtained.

[0019] Further, in a case where the image pickup unit has a lens cover,the opened or closed state of the lens cover has nothing to do with theoperation of the image pickup unit. In such a case, the lens cover hasnecessitated the operator of the image pickup system to close the lenscover when the image pickup unit is not used. Besides, it has sometimeshappened that the operator of the image pickup system inadvertentlyoperates the image pickup unit with the lens cover left closed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It is an object of this invention to provide an image pickupsystem in which an image pickup unit is connected for use to an imageprocessing computer, which image pickup system is arranged to display toan operator an operating state and a connected state of the image pickupunit and record the operating state and the connected state and thus toeffectively prevent any erroneous operation from being performed by theoperator of the image pickup system.

[0021] It is another object of this invention to provide a controlsystem having a control device, such as a computer, having a connectionterminal and a device unit, such as an image pickup unit, connectable tothe connection terminal, in which electric power is allocated betweenthe device unit and the control device in an optimum manner for thepurpose of preventing malfunctions due to a stoppage of operation of thedevice unit and a drop in voltage of a power supply.

[0022] To attain the above objects, in accordance with one aspect ofthis invention, there is provided an image pickup system comprisingcommunication means for transmitting and receiving data between an imagepickup unit and a computer which are interconnected, means provided atthe image pickup unit or the computer for detecting, displaying andrecording an operating state and a connected state of the image pickupunit, and means for causing a device for protecting a lens of the imagepickup unit to operate according to a result of the detection of theoperating state and the connected state.

[0023] To attain the above objects, in accordance with another aspect ofthis invention, there is provided an image pickup unit comprising imagepickup means for picking up an optical image to form a picked-up imagesignal, interface means for communication with an external signalprocessing device, and transmission means for transmitting to theexternal signal processing device through the interface means a statesignal relating to an operating state of the image pickup means or aconnected state of the interface means.

[0024] To attain the above objects, in accordance with another aspect ofthis invention, there is provided a picked-up image signal processingdevice comprising interface means for communication with an image pickupunit which includes image pickup means for picking up an optical imageto form a picked-up image signal, and receiving means for receiving astate signal coming from the image pickup unit through the interfacemeans and relating to an operating state or a connected state of theimage pickup unit.

[0025] To attain the above objects, in accordance with another aspect ofthis invention, there is provided a control system comprising a unitwhich is removably attachable to a control device and includestransmission means for transmitting information of power consumption ofthe unit and stop means for partly stopping a function of the unitaccording to a control signal sent in reply from the control device onthe basis of the information of power consumption transmitted by thetransmission means to the control device, receiving means for receivingfrom the unit removably attachable to the control device the informationof power consumption of the unit, comparison means for comparing theinformation of power consumption received by the receiving means withinformation of an amount of electric power which can be supplied to theunit from the control device, and control means for transmitting thecontrol signal to the unit so as to partly stop the function of the unitaccording to an output of the comparison means.

[0026] To attain the above objects, in accordance with another aspect ofthis invention, there is provided a control device comprisingcommunication means for receiving from a unit removably attachable tothe control device information of power consumption of the unit,comparison means for comparing the information of power consumptionreceived by the communication means with information of an amount ofelectric power which can be supplied from the control device to theunit, and control means for transmitting a control signal to the unit soas to partly stop a function of the unit according to an output of thecomparison means.

[0027] To attain the above objects, in accordance with another aspect ofthis invention, there is provided a unit which is removably attachableto a control device and comprises communication means for transmittinginformation of power consumption of the unit, and stop means for partlystopping a function of the unit according to a control signal sent inreply from the control device on the basis of the information of powerconsumption transmitted by the communication means to the controldevice.

[0028] To attain the above objects, in accordance with another aspect ofthis invention, there is provided an image pickup system comprising acontrol device having a plurality of connection terminals and a powersupply, a plurality of device units connectable to the connectionterminals, determination means for predetermining amounts of allocationof electric power to be supplied from the control device respectively tothe plurality of device units connected to the connection terminals,detecting means for detecting amounts of electric power being consumedrespectively by the plurality of device units, comparison means forcomparing the amounts of allocation of electric power with the amountsof electric power being consumed, and change-over means for changing atleast one operation of the plurality of device units over to a powersaving mode according to a result of comparison made by the comparisonmeans. The provision of these means effectively prevents the imagepickup system from malfunctioning due to sudden stoppage of operation ofsome of the device units such as an image pickup unit, a drop in voltageof the power supply and also enables the system to make a distributionof electrical energy apposite to the actions of the device units.

[0029] According to this invention, in a case where a computer adaptedfor image processing is used with an image pickup unit connected theretoas an image pickup system, the image pickup system enables the operatorof the system to know an operating state and a connected state of theimage pickup unit and to reproduce actions previously performed by theimage pickup unit and effectively prevents the operator from performingan erroneous operation.

[0030] Further, the control system according to this invention not onlyeffectively prevents occurrence of a malfunction due to sudden stoppageof operation or a drop in voltage of a power supply but also enables thecontrol device to make an electric energy or power distributionappositely to the operation of the system.

[0031] These and other objects and features of this invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of preferredembodiments thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 shows by way of example the arrangement of a conventionalimage pickup system.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an imagepickup system which is arranged according to this invention as a firstembodiment thereof.

[0034]FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing processes to be executed by theimage pickup system which is the first embodiment of this invention.

[0035]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing processes to be executed by theimage pickup system when an image pickup unit is found to have beenseparated from a connection terminal.

[0036]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing processes to be executed by thesame image pickup system when an instruction is given according to anoperation program to perform an image pickup action by using the imagepickup unit.

[0037]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processes to be executed by animage pickup system which is a second embodiment of this invention whenan image pickup unit is connected to a computer through a connectionterminal.

[0038]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing processes to be executed by theimage pickup system which is the second embodiment when an instructionis given according to an operation program to perform an image pickupaction by using the image pickup unit.

[0039]FIG. 8 is an oblique view showing the action of a lens cover inthe image pickup system arranged as the first or second embodiment ofthis invention.

[0040]FIG. 9 is a side view showing the action of the lens cover shownin FIG. 8.

[0041]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a fourthembodiment of this invention.

[0042]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an operation of the fourthembodiment of this invention.

[0043]FIG. 12 shows a first practical example of the action of thefourth embodiment of this invention.

[0044]FIG. 13 shows a second practical example of the action of thefourth embodiment of this invention.

[0045]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an operation of a fifth embodimentof this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

[0046] A first embodiment of this invention is described with referenceto FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an image pickupunit (camera unit) and reference numeral 2 denotes a computer forperforming image processing. The computer 2 includes a CPU unit 3,connection terminals 4 and 5, an operation program memory 6 havingstored therein a program for the operation of the CPU unit 3, a displaysystem 7, and a memory system 8. The image pickup unit 1 includes a lensoptical system (lens) 9, a CCD unit 10, an A/D converter 11, a digitalsignal processing device (DSP) 12, an FIFO memory 13, a lens coverdriving unit 14, a timing signal generator (TG) 15 for the CCD unit 10,the A/D converter 11, etc., a control unit 16 for controlling theoperation of the image pickup unit 1, an interface (camera I/F) 17 forexternal connection, a lens cover 18, a liquid crystal display (LCDdisplay) 19 for displaying information of varied kinds, and anonvolatile memory (NV RAM) 20.

[0048] In FIG. 2, an image pickup system is used by connecting theinterface 17 of the image pickup unit 1 to the connection terminal 4 ofthe computer 2. Although the shape of the connection terminal 5 is thesame as that of the connection terminal 4, the connection terminal 5 isarranged to inhibit the image pickup unit 1 from being mechanicallyconnected or at least from being electrically connected thereto.

[0049] When the image pickup unit 1 is connected to the connectionterminal 4r electric power is supplied to the image pickup unit 1through the connection terminal 4. The control unit 16 then begins tooperate. The CPU unit 3 detects through the connection terminal 4 thatthe image pickup unit 1 is connected to the computer 2.

[0050] Upon detection of the connected state, the image pickup systemperforms processes as shown in FIG. 3. Further, upon detection of thefact that the image pickup unit 1 is separated from the connectionterminal 4, the image pickup system performs processes as shown in FIG.4. When an instruction for performing an image pickup action with theimage pickup unit 1 is given by an operation program stored in theoperation program memory 6, the image pickup system performs processesas shown in FIG. 5.

[0051] The flows of the above-stated processes are described below withreference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

[0052] (i) Upon Detection of Connection (FIG. 3)

[0053] At a strep 201, when an arbitrary device unit, which is assumedto be the image pickup unit 1 in this case, is connected to theconnection terminal 4, the connection terminal 4 sends a connectionsignal to the CPU unit 3, so that the CPU unit 3 detects that the imagepickup unit 1 is connected to the computer 2.

[0054] At a step 202, the CPU unit 3 sends out, via the connectionterminal 4, a test signal S2A to the control unit 16. The test signalS2A sent from the CPU unit 3 to the control unit 16 is a request for acheck for the initial state of the image pickup unit 1. Upon receipt ofthe test signal S2A, the control unit 16 makes a check for the state ofelectric power supplied from the computer 2, etc., in a manner whichwill be described later, so as to find if the connection is normallymade. If so, the control unit 16 sends a signal S2B to the CPU unit 3,indicating that the image pickup unit 1 is adequately connected to thecomputer 2. If not, the control unit 16 sends a signal S2C to the CPUunit 3, indicating that the image pickup unit 1 is not adequatelyconnected to the computer 2.

[0055] In the event of an attempt to connect the image pickup unit 1 tothe other connection terminal 5, instead of the terminal 4, the CPU unit3 cannot receive the signal S2B nor the signal S2C and the connectioncannot be made in a normal manner because, although the connectionterminal 5 is in the same shape as the connection terminal 4, theconnection terminal 5 is incapable of connecting the image pickup unitin terms of signals in this case.

[0056] Upon receipt of the signal S2B, the CPU unit 3 makes a check forconfirmation of the normal connection. The signal S2B carries intrinsicdata of the image pickup unit 1 indicating a serial number, amanufacturer's name, etc. Such data is written (in a manner notreloadable) in the ROM which is disposed within the control unit 16.

[0057] The signal S2B thus enables the CPU unit 3 to find the intrinsicdata of the image pickup unit 1 and also to know to which of theplurality of connection terminals of the computer 2 the image pickupunit 1 is connected.

[0058] If the connection is normally made, the flow comes to a step 203.If not, the flow comes to a step 207,

[0059] At the step 203, the CPU unit 3 causes the display system 7 toprovide a display indicating that the connection is normally made. Thecontrol unit 16 also causes the liquid crystal display 19 to provide adisplay indicating that the connection is normally made. These actionsenable the operator of the image pickup system to know that theconnection is made in a normal manner.

[0060] At a step 204, the control unit 16 makes a check for the initialstates of devices other than the control unit 16 included in the imagepickup unit 1. The result of the check is sent out to the CPU unit 3through the connection terminal 4. In this instance, if a result of thecheck indicates no abnormality in the devices included in the imagepickup unit 1, the control unit 16 sends to the CPU unit 3 a signal S2Dwhich indicates that there is no abnormality in the image pickup unit 1,and the flow comes to a step 205. If the result of the check indicatessome abnormality, the control unit 16 sends a signal S2E which indicatesthat there is some abnormality in the image pickup unit 1, and the flowcomes to a step 208.

[0061] In the image pickup system, data of shooting conditionspreviously used is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 20 of the imagepickup unit 1. The previous shooting conditions remain unchanged unlessthey are changed by the CPU unit 3.

[0062] Further, in the image pickup system, the operating state of theimage pickup unit 1 obtained at the time of the previous shooting isrecorded in the memory system 8 along with picked-up image data. It ispossible to cause the image pickup unit 1 to operate in the same stateas the state obtained at the time of the previous shooting by using thisrecord.

[0063] Decision as to whether the recorded previous operating state ofthe image pickup unit 1 is to be employed or the operating state of theimage pickup unit is to be newly decided has already been made either bythe operation program memory 9 or by the operator of the image pickupsystem.

[0064] At the step 205, the control unit 16 sends to the CPU unit 3 asignal S2F which represents the data of shooting conditions of the imagepickup unit 1 including a number of picture frames per unit time (aframe speed), a number of colors in use, numbers of vertical andhorizontal picture elements per frame, an amount of information carriedby one picture element, etc.

[0065] Upon receipt of the signal S2F, the CPU unit 3 causes the displaysystem 7 to display information on the above-stated data according tothe signal S2F. The control unit 16 also causes the information to bedisplayed on the liquid crystal display 19. The displays enable theoperator of the image pickup system to know the shooting conditions andthe details of an operation of the image pickup unit 1.

[0066] At a step 205 b, the CPU unit 3 starts an application software,such as video capture software and album software, for processing andutilizing picked-up image data transmitted from the image pickup unit 1which is connected to the computer 2. The application software to bestarted may be automatically selected by the CPU unit 3 or may bespecified by the operator of the image pickup system. Further, anoperation of the application software may or may not contain a sequenceshown in FIG. 5.

[0067] At a step 206, the flow of the processes to be executed when theconnection is detected comes to an end.

[0068] If the signal S2B is not detected or if the signal S2C isdetected at the step 202, the flow comes to the step 207 to perform aconnection error processing action. In other words, the abnormal stateof connection is displayed at the display system 7 of the computer 2 andon the liquid crystal display 19 of the image pickup unit 1. The step207 may be arranged to inform the operator of the abnormal state ofconnection, for example, with some suitable sound such as beep.

[0069] If the signal S2D is not detected or if the signal S2E isdetected at the step 204, the flow comes to the step 208 to perform anoperation error processing action. At the step 208, the operator isinformed that the image pickup unit 1 is inoperative as the image pickupunit 1 is out of order. This state is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay 19 of the image pickup unit 1 and also by the display system 7of the computer 2.

[0070] (ii) Upon Detection of Separation of the Image Pickup Unit

[0071] The processes to be executed by the image pickup system when theimage pickup unit is found to have been separated are described withreference to FIG. 4.

[0072] At a step 301, irrespective of the action of the image pickupunit 1, the connection terminal 4 sends a separation signal S3A to theCPU unit 3 indicating that the image pickup unit 1 is separated from thecomputer 2, when the image pickup unit 1 is detached from the connectionterminal 4. The CPU unit 3 then detects that the image pickup unit 1 isseparated from the connection terminal 4.

[0073] Electric power to be used by the image pickup unit 1 is suppliedfrom the computer 2. When the image pickup unit 1 is separated from thecomputer 2, the control unit 16 detects a drop of voltage and therebydetects the separated state.

[0074] Even if the image pickup unit 1 is not separated, the imagepickup unit 1 acts in the same manner as at the time of separation, inthe event of stoppage of the operation of the computer 2 caused by someaccident with respect to the supply of electric power. A capacitor isconnected in parallel to the power supply circuit of the image pickupunit 1. The capacitor enables the image pickup unit 1 to remainoperative for a period of several seconds in the event of stoppage ofthe supply of electric power from the computer 2.

[0075] At a step 301 b, the application software, which has been startedat the step 205 b shown in FIG. 3, is brought to an end.

[0076] At a step 302, the CPU unit 3 causes the display system 7 toprovide a display indicating that the image pickup unit 1 is separatedfrom the connection terminal 4. If any program that includes use of theimage pickup unit 1 is in process of being executed, the program isstopped from being executed. The control unit 16 causes the liquidcrystal display 19 to display also the separated state mentioned above.

[0077] At a step 303, upon detection of the separated state, the controlunit 16 sends a control signal to the lens cover driving unit 14 tocause the lens cover driving unit 14 to close the lens cover 18. If thelens cover 18 has already been closed, no action is performed by thelens cover driving unit 14.

[0078] At a step 304, the flow of processes to be executed upondetection of separation of the image pickup unit 1 comes to an end.

[0079] (iii) In Performing an Image Pickup Action

[0080] The processes to be executed by the image pickup system beforeand after an image pickup action are as described below with referenceto the flow chart of FIG. 5.

[0081] At a step 401, the flow of processes begins. The CPU unit 3 sendsto the control unit 16 a control signal S4A which indicates thecommencement of an image pickup action of the image pickup unit 1. At astep 402, upon receipt of the control signal S4A, the control unit 16sends a signal to the lens cover driving unit 14 to cause the lens cover18 to be opened. This action enables the lens 9 to pick up images. At astep 403, the control unit 16 causes the CCD 10, the A/D converter 11and the DSP (digital signal processing device) 12 to operate to measurea quantity of light incident on the lens 9 and perform an automaticexposure (AE) action. At a step 404, the control unit 16 then sends thesignal S2F (see the step 205) to the CPU unit 3.

[0082] At a step 405, the CPU unit 3 uses the signal S2F to cause thedisplay system 7 to display the operating state of the image pickup unit1. The control unit 16, on the other hand, causes the liquid crystaldisplay 19 to display the same operating state. These displays enablethe operator of the image pickup system to know the shooting conditionsof the image pickup unit 1 and the details of the operation of the imagepickup unit 1.

[0083] At a step 406, image light incident on the lens 9 forms an imageon the CCD 10. The CCD 10 accumulates electric charge corresponding tothe image. The electric charge is read out by the A/D converter 11. Theelectric charge accumulating time per frame is determined by the actionof the step 403. Picked-up image data thus obtained from the A/Dconverter 11 is processed by the DSP 12. The processed data is storedtemporarily at the FIFO memory 13. The picked-up image data stored isaerially read out from the FIFO memory 13 according to the speed of datatransmission from the camera interface 17 and the connection terminal 4and is then transmitted to the CPU unit 3. The electric chargeaccumulating time of the CCD 10 and the action of the A/D converter 11are controlled by the timing signal generator 15. The timing signalgenerator 15, the DSP 12, the FIFO memory 13 and the camera interface 17are controlled by the control unit 16.

[0084] The picked-up image data supplied to the CPU unit 3 is displayedby the display system 7 and is recorded by the memory system, i.e., arecording device, 8. The signal S2F which is obtained at the step 405 isalso recorded concurrently with the picked-up image data. The signal S2Fis recorded also in the nonvolatile memory 20. The operation of the CPUunit 3, the display method of the display system 7 and the recordingmethod of the memory system 8 are all decided by a predeterminedoperation program of the operation program memory 6.

[0085] At a step 407, a check is made to find if the image pickup actionis to be terminated. If so, the CPU unit 3 sends to the control unit 16a signal S4B which indicates the end of the image pickup action of theimage pickup unit 1. Upon receipt of the signal S4B, the control unit 16brings the image pickup action to an end. At this time, the picked-upimage data recorded in the FIFO memory 13 is continuously sent out untilit completely disappears from the FIFO memory 13.

[0086] If the signal S4B is not detected at the step 407, the flow comesback to execute the step 403. At that time, the actions of the step 403may be executed after the lapse of a predetermined period of time.

[0087] When the signal S4B is detected, the flow comes to a step 408. Atthe step 408, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the lenscover driving unit 14 to cause the lens cover 18 to be closed.

[0088] At a step 409, the flow of processes executed in performing theimage pickup action comes to an end.

Second Embodiment

[0089] The arrangement and operation of a second embodiment of thisinvention are about the same as the first embodiment except that thelens cover 18 of the image pickup unit 1 which is shown in FIG. 2 isarranged to operate differently from that of the first embodiment. Theoperation of the second embodiment is described with reference to FIGS.2, 4, 6 and 7 as follows.

[0090] When the image pickup unit 1 is connected to the connectionterminal 4, electric power is supplied to the image pickup unit 1through the connection terminal 4. The control unit 16 then begins toact. Meanwhile, the CPU unit 3 detects through the connection terminal 4that the image pickup unit 1 is connected to the computer 2.

[0091] Upon detection of the above-stated connection, the image pickupsystem which is the second embodiment of this invention begins tooperate as shown in FIG. 6. When the image pickup system detects thatthe image pickup unit 1 is separated from the connection terminal 4, theimage pickup system operates as shown in FIG. 4. When an instruction foran image pickup action of the image pickup unit 1 is given by anoperation program of the operation program memory 6, the image pickupsystem operates as shown in FIG. 7.

[0092] In the image pickup system of the first embodiment, the lenscover 18 does not open at the time when the image pickup unit 1 isconnected to the computer 2 and opens only when an image pickup actionbegins.

[0093] In the image pickup system of the second embodiment, on the otherhand, the lens cover 18 opens (at the step 402) at the time when theimage pickup unit 1 is connected to the computer 2. Further, the imagepickup action is performed totally irrespective of the opening orclosing of the lens cover 18, as shown in FIG. 7. The processes to beexecuted by the second embodiment when the image pickup unit 1 isseparated from the computer 2 are the same as in the case of the firstembodiment (see FIG. 4).

[0094] In the second embodiment, the connection of the image pickup unit1 to the computer 2 causes the lens cover 18 to open or close.Therefore, the action of the lens cover 18, in the second embodiment,may be arranged to be caused by the mechanical action of the connectionterminal, instead of being controlled by the control unit 16.

Third Embodiment

[0095] A third embodiment of this invention relates to the operation ofthe lens cover 18 to be performed in the arrangement of the first andsecond embodiments. The following describes by way of example theoperation of the lens cover 18 with reference to FIGS. 2, 8 and 9.

[0096]FIG. 8 shows in an oblique view an image pickup system in whichthe image pickup unit 1 is connected to the computer 2 which is of thelap-top type. Referring to FIG. 8, the image pickup unit 1 is connectedto the PCMCIA terminal 4 of the computer 2. The computer 2 is providedwith a display system 7 which is a color LCD display having apredetermined angle of visibility. The display system 7 is provided witha hinge part 7B and is thus arranged to permit the operator of the imagepickup system to turn the display system 7 to an easily viewableposition.

[0097]FIG. 9 is a side view of the image pickup system shown in FIG. 8.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 9, a direction CD indicates a direction inwhich the lens 9 captures an object of shooting, i.e., the direction ofa lens barrel which includes the lens 9. A direction DO is in parallelto a plane on which the computer 2 is set. A display plane direction DDand a direction DDH are always orthogonal to each other.

[0099] The directions DO and DD form an angle φD which is shiftablewithin a range of 0 to 180 degrees. Another angle φC formed between thedirections CD and DO is also shiftable within the range of 0 to 180degrees.

[0100] The lens cover driving unit 14 which is shown in FIG. 2 isarranged to vary the facing direction of the lens 9 as shown in FIG. 9by means of a motor. In other words, when the angle φC is zero degree,the lens 9 is protected by the lens cover 18. The lens cover 18 does notprotect the lens 9 when the angle φC is not zero degree (φC≠0 degree).

[0101] At the time of “φC≠0 degree”, the CPU unit 3 detects the angle φDthrough a signal from an angle detecting encoder (not shown) included inthe display system 7. The CPU unit 3 then sends a signal to the controlunit 16. In response to the signal, the control unit 16 controls themotor (not shown) included in the lens cover driving unit 14 in such away as to make the directions CD and DDH parallel to each other.Incidentally, the angle φC is zero when the angle φD is less than 90degrees.

[0102] The above-stated action prevents the image pickup unit 1 fromperforming an image pickup action when the lens 9 is protected by thelens cover 18. When the lens 9 is not protected by the lens cover 18,the image pickup unit 1 is always directed toward a part where thedisplay system 7 is easily viewable, so that the operator of the imagepickup system can be captured as an object of shooting by the imagepickup unit 1. Meanwhile, the operator of the image pickup system isenabled to know the operating state and the connected state of the imagepickup system according to the direction of the lens 9.

[0103] Further, the above-described embodiments of this inventionproduce the following advantages.

[0104] Since the function of processing the picked-up image signalformed by the image pickup unit and the function of controlling theimage pickup action are arranged to be partly carried out by an externalpicked-up image signal processing device, the image pickup unit can beconfigured in a compact size. The image pickup unit therefore can beformed in a card-like shape such as a PCMCIA or the like.

[0105] In cases where a picked-up image signal is to be processed bymeans of a computer or the like, the signal processing method of priorart has necessitated some duplicating part including processes ofconverting the picked-up image signal first into a signal of a TV formatsuch as the format of the NTSC system and then into a digital signal forthe computer. The above-described embodiments, on the other hand, can bearranged without any wasteful part.

[0106] Further, according to the above-described embodiments, the imagepickup function can be simply added to an external signal processingdevice, such as the computer. Besides, the arrangement according to thisinvention permits optimum control according to both the state of thecomputer and that of the image pickup unit.

[0107] It is a particularly advantageous feature of the embodiments thatinformation of the image picking-up state of the image pickup unit, suchas whether or not the lens cover is closed, which image pickup mode isselected, etc., can be received, recorded and displayed on the part ofan external image signal processing device such as the computer, so thatan image pickup system can be arranged according to this invention tohave excellent operability.

Fourth Embodiment

[0108]FIG. 10 shows in a block diagram an image pickup system which isarranged as a control system according to a fourth embodiment of thisinvention.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, reference numeral 101 denotes an imagepickup unit having contained therein an optical system, etc., andreference numeral 102 denotes a fax card having a facsimile (fax)function. The image pickup unit 101 and the fax card 102 are employed byway of example as device units. Reference numeral 103 denotes a computeremployed as a control device. The computer 103 includes a CPU 104, afirst interface (I/F #1) 105 which is arranged to connect the imagepickup unit 101 to the computer 103, a second interface (I/F #2) 106which is arranged to connect the fax card 102 to the computer 103, adisplay system 107, a memory system 108, a reloadable operation programmemory 109 arranged to control the computer 103, a power manager system110, and a battery 111. Reference numeral 112 denotes an external powersupply device which is capable of supplying electric power to thecomputer 103.

[0110] In FIG. 10, a part encompassed with a broken line to includeblocks indicated with reference numerals 113 to 121 shows the internalarrangement of the image pickup unit 101. The image pickup unit 101includes a lens 113, a lens controller 114 which is arranged to drivethe lens 113 and includes a known automatic focusing device and a knownautomatic image stabilizing (image-shake preventing) device, a CCD 115,an A/D converter 116, a timing signal generator (TG) 117, a digitalsignal processing device (DSP) 118, an FIFO memory 119, a control unit120, an interface for external connection (camera I/F) 121, and a lightunit 122 which is arranged to illuminate an object of shooting and to becontrolled by the control unit 120.

[0111] In the case of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the imagepickup system is composed of the image pickup unit 101, the fax card 102and the computer 103. The image pickup unit 101 and the fax card 102 arearranged to be separable from the computer 103.

[0112] The object of shooting is imaged on the CCD 115 through the lens113 and is then converted into digital data by the A/D converter 116.The digital image data is processed by the DSP 118. The processed datais recorded temporarily at the FIFO memory 119. After that, the data isserially sent out to the computer 103 from the FIFO memory 119 throughthe camera interface (I/F) 121 in the order of recording. The camerainterface 121 is connected to the first interface (I/F #1) 105 of thecomputer 103.

[0113] The picked-up image data is obtained from the CCD 115 and the A/Dconverter 116 according to timing pulses sent out from the TG 117. Thesending-out intervals of the timing pulses from the TG 117 arecontrolled by the control unit 120. Depending on conditions under whichimages are to be picked up, the control unit 120 actuates the light unit122 to illuminate the object. The control unit 120 controls the circuits114, 117, 118, 119 and 122 according to signals sent from the computer103 through the camera interface 121.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, picked-up image data obtained by the imagepickup unit 101 is sent to the computer 103 through the interface 105.The image data then can be displayed on the display system 107 orrecorded in the memory system 108. It is also possible to send thepicked-up image data to the fax card 102 through the interface 106 fortransmission through a telephone line.

[0115] The computer 103 supplies electric power to each of the deviceunits 101 and 102 connected thereto. The CPU 104 is arranged todetermine, through the interfaces 105 and 106, the allocation ofelectric power to be supplied to the device units 101 and 102.

[0116] Further, the CPU 104 is capable of controlling, through theinterfaces 105 and 106, the amounts of allocation of electric powerbeing supplied to the device units 101 and 102 connected to the computer103. In this instance, the amount of allocation of electric powersupplied to the image pickup unit 101 is assumed to be P1, and theamount of allocation of electric power supplied to the fax card 102 isassumed to be P2. When the device unit, i.e., the image pickup unit 101or the fax card 102, is not connected to the computer 103, the amount ofelectric power P1 or P2 is zero.

[0117] The amount of electric power consumed by the image pickup unit101 is assumed to be U1, and the amount of electric power consumed bythe fax card 102 is assumed to be U2. The amounts of electric power U1and U2 are detected by the CPU 104 through the interfaces 105 and 106.The CPU 104 monitors through the power manager system 110 the amount ofelectric power UC being used by the computer 103, the amount of electricpower PB being supplied from the battery 111 and the amount of electricpower PE being supplied from the external power supply 112. The amountof electric power PE is zero if the external power supply 112 is notconnected. The amount of electric power PB constantly decreases. In acase where the external power supply 112 is a battery, the amount ofelectric power PE also constantly decreases. The values of the amountsof electric power are defined as PM=PB+PE, wherein the value PMrepresents a maximum amount of electric power usable by the computer 103and the device units 101 and 102 connected to the computer 103.

[0118] The timing for monitoring each of the amounts of electric powerU1, U2, UC, PB and PE is set according to a predetermined operationprogram of the operation program memory 109. Further, the power managersystem 110 is arranged to be capable of variably controlling the amountsof electric power being used by the display system 107 and the memorysystem 108. For example, if the display system 107 used by the computer103 is a liquid crystal display having a back light, the amount ofelectric power to be used by the display system 107 can be varied bylighting up or putting out the back light. The amount of electric powerUC is thus variable by such control.

[0119] With the image pickup system configured in the above-statedmanner, when the image pickup unit 101 and the fax card 102 areconnected for their operations or when a change in the amount ofelectric power PB or PE is forecast, an operation of allocating electricpower and selecting a power saving mode is performed in a manner asdescribed below. By virtue of this operation, a total amount of electricpower to be used by the image pickup unit 101, the computer 103 and thefax card 102, i.e., “UC+U1+U2”, can be effectively prevented fromexceeding the maximum amount PM of electric power. Further, theallocation of electric power is made in a manner suited for a desiredoperation of the image pickup system.

[0120]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the allocation of electric powerand the method of selecting a power saving mode in the image pickupsystem according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. In the caseof this flow chart, the allocating and selecting operation is carriedout by the computer 103. However, this operation may be carried out onthe side of the device unit. The flow of operation, or an algorithm, ofthe fourth embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0121] The algorithm starts at a step 501.

[0122] At a step 502, the amounts of electric power U1, U2, UC and PMare measured.

[0123] At a step 503, a predicted amount of electric power required forthe use of the image pickup unit 101 is assumed to be U1 i, a predictedamount of electric power required for the use of the fax card 102 isassumed to be U2 i, and a predicted amount of electric power requiredfor varying an action of the computer 103 is assumed to be UCi.Depending on the values of the predicted amounts of electric power U1 i,U2 i and UCi and the measured amounts of electric power U1, U2 and UC,the amounts of allocation of electric power P1, P2 and PC are alteredrespectively to the amounts U1 i, U2 i and UCi. If the values of theamounts of electric power P1, P2 and PC are expected not to vary, theamounts of electric power P1, P2 and PC are not altered.

[0124] In a case where it is impossible to predict or forecast theamounts of electric power UCi, U1 i and U2 i, the amounts of electricpower P1, P2 and PC are respectively set at the values of the amountsU1, U2 and UC.

[0125] At a step 504, a check is made to find if there is any problemwith the values of the amounts of allocation of electric power P1, P2and PC. In other words, these values are examined to find if they are ina relation “PC+P1+P2>PM”, which presents a problem and is notacceptable. If so, the flow comes to a step 505. If not, the flow comesto a step 511.

[0126] At the step 505, in order to decrease one of the values of theamounts of electric power U1, U2 and U3, the operation mode of one ofthe image pickup unit 101, the computer 103 and the fax card 102 ischanged to a power saving mode. Which of the amounts of electric powerU1, U2 and UC is to be decreased is determined according to either theintention of the operator or the operation priority programmedbeforehand. For example, assuming that the operation priority isprogrammed to give higher priority in the order of the image pickup unit101, the computer 103 and the fax card 102, they are set into the powersaving mode one by one in such a way as to reduce the amounts ofelectric power in the order of U2, UC and U1.

[0127] At a step 506, the amounts of allocation of electric power areagain altered in the same manner as at the step 503.

[0128] At a step 507, a check is made in the same manner as at the step504 to find if there is any problem with the values of the new amountsof allocation of electric power P1, P2 and PC. If so, the flow ofoperation proceeds to a step 508.

[0129] At the step 508, a check is made to find if the operating modesof all the image pickup unit 101, the computer 103 and the fax card 102have come into the power saving mode. If so, the flow proceeds to a step509. If not, the flow comes back to the step 505.

[0130] At the step 509, since a load imposed by the operation of theimage pickup system is considered too large for the amount of electricpower available for the image pickup system, a display is provided tourge or recommend the operator either to give up the currently intendedoperation or to use another available device unit.

[0131] At a step 510, with a load imposed by the operation of the imagepickup system considered too large for the available amount of electricpower, the flow of processes is brought to an end.

[0132] At the step 511, the allocation of electric power and the settingof the power saving mode are considered to have been adequatelyexecuted, and the flow is brought to an end.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE 1

[0133] A practical example 1 of the processes of FIG. 11 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 as follows.

[0134] In FIG. 12, bars 601 to 605 represent amounts of electric power.The longer the bar is, the larger the amount of electric power. It isassumed that, in the initial state of the image pickup system, the imagepickup unit 101 is not performing any image pickup action and the faxcard 102 is not acting, although they are connected to the computer 103.Then, the image pickup system performs an image pickup action using theimage pickup unit 101. The fax card 102 is not used then. The operationpriority mentioned in the description of the step 505 is thus in theorder of “the image pickup unit 101—the computer 103—the fax card 102”.

[0135] In the initial state, the amounts of electric power PM, UC, U1and U2 are assumed to be as represented by bars 601 and 603 in FIG. 12.The bar 602 shows the amounts of allocation of electric power P1, P2 andPC set in the initial state. In the case of this example, the computer103 is assumed to be not predicting the amount of electric power U1 i tobe used by the image pickup unit 101 for the current image pickupaction. The image pickup action is performed without altering theamounts of allocation of electric power P1, P2 and PC beforehand. A bar604 shows how the amounts of electric power UC, U1 and U2 are changed bythe image pickup action. The values of the amounts UC, U1 and U2 aremeasured at the step 502.

[0136] Comparing the bar 602 with the bar 604, the amount U1 is largerthan the amount P1. Therefore, the amount of allocation of electricpower P1 is increased at the step 503. With the amount P1 increased, thenew amounts of allocation of electric power P1, P2 and PC are asrepresented by the bar 605.

[0137] Then, a check is made, at the step 504, to find if there is anyproblem with the new amounts of allocation of electric power. However,since the amount of electric power PM is larger than the total ofamounts “PC+P1+P2” as shown by the bar 605, there is no problem.Therefore, the flow of processes comes to an end in a normal state atthe step 511 to allow the image pickup action to be performed.

[0138] In the case of the practical example 1, the power saving modedoes not have to be set for the image pickup action. Upon completion ofthe image pickup action, the computer 103 brings the amounts ofallocation of electric power P1, P2 and PC back to the initial settingvalues shown at the bar 602.

Practical Example 2

[0139] A practical example 2 of the processes of FIG. 11 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 11 and 13 as follows.

[0140] In the same manner as the practical example 1, the image pickupunit 101 is not performing any image pickup action and the fax card 102is not acting, although they are connected to the computer 103, in theinitial state. Then, the image pickup system performs an image pickupaction using the image pickup unit 101. The fax card 102 is not usedthen. The operation priority mentioned above in the description of thestep 505 is, therefore, in the order of “the image pickup unit 101—thecomputer 103—the fax card 102”, in the same manner as in the practicalexample 1.

[0141] However, in the case of the practical example 2, the steps 501 to511 of FIG. 11 are executed before the image pickup action is actuallyperformed. At the step 503, the values U1 i, U2 i and UCi are predicted.More specifically, the amounts of electric power PM, UC, U1 and U2measured at the step 502, after the start of the flow of operation atthe step 501, are assumed to be as represented by bars 701 and 703 ofFIG. 13. A bar 702 of FIG. 13 shows the amounts of allocation ofelectric power PC, P1 and P2.

[0142] The computer 103 predicts an amount of electric power U1 i to beused for the current image pickup action by the image pickup unit 101.The amounts of electric power U1 i, UC and U2 are as represented by abar 704. Comparison of the bars 702 and 704 indicates that the predictedvalue U1 i is larger than the amount of allocation P1 (U1 i>P1). Theamount of allocation P1, therefore, must be increased. With the amountof allocation P1 thus increased, the new amounts of allocation ofelectric power P1, P2 and PC are as represented by a bar 705.

[0143] The amounts of allocation are checked at the step 504. In thiscase, the total of the amounts of allocation “PC+P1+P2” is larger thanthe value PM which is the maximum amount of electric power available.Therefore, the step 505 is executed. In order to decrease the amount ofelectric power U2 according to the operation priority, the operationmode of the fax card 102 is changed to the power saving mode. Theamounts of electric power UC, U1 i and U2 obtained with the mode of thefax card changed to the power saving mode are as represented by a bar706 in FIG. 13. The allocation of amounts of electric power is againaltered at the step 506.

[0144] The new amounts of allocation of electric power PC, P1 and P2 areas represented by a bar 707 in FIG. 13. The amounts of allocation arechecked again at the step 507. The total of the amounts of allocation“PC+P1+P2” is still larger than the value PM. Therefore, the check ofthe step 508 is made. Since it is only the fax card 102 that is in thepower saving mode, the flow of operation comes back to execute the step505 again. In order to decrease the amount of electric power UC thistime according to the operation priority, the mode of the computer 103is changed over to the power saving mode. With the mode of the computer103 shifted to the power saving mode, the amounts of electric power UC,U1 i and U2 become as represented by a bar 708. Then, at the step 506,the allocation of amounts of electric power is altered. The new amountsof allocation of electric power PC, P1 and P2 thus obtained are asrepresented by a bar 709 in FIG. 13. The new amounts of allocation arechecked at the step 507. In this instance, the allocation of amounts ofelectric power is no longer in the state of “PC+P1+P2>PM”. Therefore,the flow of processes comes to an end in a normal state at the step 511.

[0145] In the case of the practical example 2 described above, it isnecessary to shift the mode of the fax card 102 and that of the computer103 to the power saving mode in performing an image pickup action. Uponcompletion of the image pickup action, the computer 103 brings theamounts of allocation of electric power P1, P2 and PC back to theirinitial state as represented by the bar 702 in FIG. 13.

Fifth Embodiment

[0146] A fifth embodiment of this invention is arranged in the samemanner as the arrangement of FIG. 10 which shows the fourth embodiment.In the fourth embodiment as described above, the fax card 102 and thecomputer 103 are arranged to have the power saving mode. In the case ofthe fifth embodiment, on the other hand, the image pickup unit 101 isarranged to have a plurality of power saving modes while the fax card102 and the computer 103 have the power saving mode as mentioned in theforegoing.

[0147] The following describes how each of the power saving modes of theimage pickup unit 101 is selected. The actions to be performed by theimage pickup unit 101 in the power saving modes and other modes aredescribed with reference to FIG. 10 and the manner in which each ofthese modes are selected is described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 14 which is a flow chart, an algorithm beginsat a step 801. At a step 802, a check is made to find if the amount ofelectric power UC is to be decreased. If not, the flow of operationcomes to an end at a step 814. At steps 804, 806, 808, 810 and 812,checks for the necessity of decreasing the amount of electric power UCare made in exactly the same manner, which corresponds to the decisionmade at the step 505 of the fourth embodiment as to whether or not theamount of electric power UC is to be decreased.

[0149] If the result of the decision made at the step 802 is “YES”, amode 5 is executed at a step 803. In the mode 5, the image pickup systemeither stops a light projecting function of the light unit 122 ordecreases the amount of illumination light to be projected by the lightunit 122.

[0150] After that, when the result of check made at the step 804 is“YES”, the flow comes to a step 805 to execute a mode 4. In the mode 4,the action of the lens controller 114 is stopped. The lens controller114 has a known focusing function and a known image stabilizing(image-shake preventing) function and is arranged to stop performingboth of or one of these functions according to a control signal comingfrom the control unit 120. The flow then comes to the step 806.

[0151] If the result of the check made at the step 806 is “YES”, theflow comes to a step 807 to execute a mode 1. In the mode 1, the controlunit 120 sends a control signal to the timing signal generator (TG) 117to reduce the number of frames of images to be taken per unit time bythe CCD 115 to one half.

[0152] Next, if the result of the check made at the step 808 is “YES”,the flow comes to a step 809. At the step 809, a mode 2 is executed. Inthe mode 2, a color information reading action is stopped. To be morespecific, the mode 2 is as follows. Generally, the CCD 115 sends aluminance signal and color-difference signals to the A/D converter 116.In the mode 2, the control unit 120 sends the control signal to the TG117 to cause this action to be changed as follows.

[0153] The CCD 115 ceases to send the color-difference signals and sendsout only the luminance signal. The A/D converter 116 performs its A/Dconverting action only on the luminance signal. The DSP 118 alsoprocesses only the luminance signal. As a result, the signal sent to thecomputer 103 carries an image in monochrome. The amount of informationread out from the CCD 115 and processed by the DSP 118 thus decreases,so that the amount of consumption of electric power by the image pickupunit 101 can be reduced in the mode 2.

[0154] With the check for the necessity of decreasing the amount ofelectric power UC further made at the step 810, if the result of thecheck is “YES”, the flow comes to a step 811 to execute a mode 3. In themode 3, the number of picture elements to be read out is reduced. To bemore specific, the mode 3 is as follows. The number of picture elementsused at the CCD 115 in picking up an image is assumed to be “x” in thehorizontal direction and to be “y” in the vertical direction. In themode 3, the control unit 120 sends a control signal to the TG 117 tochange this action as follows. The A/D converter 116 is caused toA/D-convert only one picture element out of every two picture elementsin the horizontal direction and only one line out of every two lines inthe vertical direction. The number of picture elements used in pickingup an image is thus reduced to one fourth of the normal number ofpicture elements. The DSP 118 also processes only one fourth of thenormal number of picture elements. As a result, the amount of image datasent to the computer 103 is thus reduced to one fourth of the normalamount.

[0155] In a case where the execution of all these power saving modesstill fails to make the operation of the image pickup system possible,the result of check made at the step 812 for the necessity of reductionin the amount of electric power UC becomes “YES”. The flow then comes toa step 818 to execute an error processing process. After that, the flowcomes to an end at a step 814.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image pickup system which has at least oneimage pickup unit having at least one connection terminal andconnectable to an external apparatus, said image pickup unit connectedto an arbitrary connection terminal of said external apparatus which hasat least one connection terminal including means for exchanging datawith said external apparatus, said image pickup system comprising two orall of the following means: detecting means for detecting one or both ofan operating state and a connected state of said image pickup unit;display means for displaying one or both of the operating state and theconnected state of said image pickup unit; and recording means forrecording one or both of the operating state and the connected state ofsaid image pickup unit.
 2. An image pickup system according to claim 1,wherein said image pickup unit is arranged to transmit to said externalapparatus information required for displaying one or both of theoperating state and the connected state of said image pickup unit.
 3. Animage pickup system according to claim 1, wherein a display deviceincluded in said image pickup unit is employed as said means fordisplaying one or both of the operating state and the connected state ofsaid image pickup unit.
 4. An image pickup system according to claim 1,wherein said image pickup unit is arranged to transmit to said externalapparatus information required for recording one or both of theoperating state and the connected state of said image pickup unit.
 5. Animage pickup system according to claim 1, wherein a recording deviceincluded in said image pickup unit is employed as said means forrecording one or both of the operating state and the connected state ofsaid image pickup unit.
 6. An image pickup system according to claim 1,wherein said image pickup unit is arranged to cause means for protectinga lens to act as said means for displaying one or both of the operatingstate and the connected state of said image pickup unit.
 7. An imagepickup system which has an external apparatus having at least oneconnection terminal and at least one image pickup unit connectable tosaid external apparatus, said external apparatus including means forexchanging data with said image pickup unit connected to an arbitraryconnection terminal of said external apparatus having at least oneconnection terminal, said image pickup system comprising two or all ofthe following means: detecting means for detecting one or both of anoperating state and a connected state of said image pickup unit; displaymeans for displaying one or both of the operating state and theconnected state of said image pickup unit; and recording means forrecording one or both of the operating state and the connected state ofsaid image pickup unit.
 8. An image pickup system according to claim 7,wherein said means for displaying one or both of the operating state andthe connected state of said image pickup unit is a display deviceprovided at said external apparatus.
 9. An image pickup system accordingto claim 7, wherein a display device included in said image pickup unitis employed as said means for displaying one or both of the operatingstate and the connected state of said image pickup unit.
 10. An imagepickup system according to claim 7, wherein a recording device providedat said external apparatus is employed as said means for recording oneor both of the operating state and the connected state of said imagepickup unit.
 11. An image pickup system according to claim 7, wherein arecording device included in said image pickup unit is employed as saidmeans for recording one or both of the operating state and the connectedstate of said image pickup unit.
 12. An image pickup system according toclaim 7, wherein said external apparatus is arranged to cause means forprotecting a lens of said image pickup unit to act as said means fordisplaying one or both of the operating state and the connected state ofsaid image pickup unit.
 13. An image pickup unit comprising: imagepickup means for picking up an optical image to form a picked-up imagesignal; interface means for communication with an external signalprocessing device; and transmission means for transmitting to saidexternal signal processing device through said interface means a statesignal relating to an operating state of said image pickup means or aconnected state of said interface means.
 14. An image pickup unitaccording to claim 13, wherein said image pickup unit is arranged to beremovably attachable to said external signal processing device.
 15. Animage pickup unit according to claim 13, further comprising displaymeans arranged to change a display state thereof in response to saidstate signal.
 16. An image pickup unit according to claim 13, whereinsaid external signal processing device has display means arranged tochange a display state thereof in response to said state signal.
 17. Apicked-up image signal processing device comprising: interface means forcommunication with an image pickup unit which includes image pickupmeans for picking up an optical image to form a picked-up image signal;and receiving means for receiving a state signal coming from said imagepickup unit through said interface means and relating to an operatingstate or a connected state of said image pickup unit.
 18. A picked-upimage signal processing device according to claim 17, wherein said imagepickup unit is arranged to be removably attachable to said picked-upimage signal processing device.
 19. A picked-up image signal processingdevice according to claim 17, further comprising display means arrangedto change a display state thereof in response to said state signalreceived by said receiving means.
 20. A picked-up image signalprocessing device according to claim 17, further comprising recordingmeans for recording said state signal received by said receiving means.21. A control system comprising: a unit which is removably attachable toa control device and includes transmission means for transmittinginformation of power consumption of said unit and stop means for partlystopping a function of said unit according to a control signal sent inreply from said control device on the basis of the information of powerconsumption transmitted by said transmission means to said controldevice; receiving means for receiving from said unit removablyattachable to said control device the information of power consumptionof said unit; comparison means for comparing the information of powerconsumption received by said receiving means with information of anamount of electric power which can be supplied to said unit from saidcontrol device; and control means for transmitting the control signal tosaid unit so as to partly stop the function of said unit according to anoutput of said comparison means.
 22. A control device comprising:communication means for receiving from a unit removably attachable tosaid control device information of power consumption of said unit;comparison means for comparing the information of power consumptionreceived by said communication means with information of an amount ofelectric power which can be supplied from said control device to saidunit; and control means for transmitting a control signal to said unitso as to partly stop a function of said unit according to an output ofsaid comparison means.
 23. A unit which is removably attachable to acontrol device, comprising: communication means for transmittinginformation of power consumption of said unit; and stop means for partlystopping a function of said unit according to a control signal sent inreply from said control device on the basis of the information of powerconsumption transmitted by said communication means to said controldevice.
 24. An image pickup system comprising: a control device having aplurality of connection terminals and a power supply; a plurality ofdevice units connectable to said connection terminals; determinationmeans for predetermining amounts of allocation of electric power to besupplied from said control device respectively to said plurality ofdevice units connected to said connection terminals; detecting means fordetecting amounts of electric power being consumed respectively by saidplurality of device units; comparison means for comparing the amounts ofallocation of electric power with the amounts of electric power beingconsumed; and change-over means for changing at least one operation ofsaid plurality of device units over to a power saving mode according toa result of comparison made by said comparison means.
 25. An imagepickup system according to claim 24, wherein said plurality of deviceunits include an image pickup unit, and further comprising control meansfor decreasing, according to the result of comparison made by saidcomparison means, at least an amount of information of picked-up imagedata to be processed at said image pickup unit.
 26. An image pickupsystem according to claim 24, wherein said plurality of device unitsinclude an image pickup unit, and further comprising control means fordecreasing, according to the result of comparison made by saidcomparison means, at least the number of frames of images to be pickedup per unit time by said image pickup unit.
 27. An image pickup systemaccording to claim 24, wherein said plurality of device units include animage pickup unit, and further comprising control means for decreasing,according to the result of comparison made by said comparison means, atleast predetermined color data included in image data to be picked up bysaid image pickup unit.
 28. An image pickup system according to claim24, wherein said plurality of device units include an image pickup unit,and further comprising control means for decreasing, according to theresult of comparison made by said comparison means, at least an amountof information in one or both of a horizontal direction and a verticaldirection of an image plane to be picked up by said image pick up unit.29. An image pickup system according to claim 24, wherein said pluralityof device units include an image pickup unit, and further comprisingcontrol means for stopping, according to the result of comparison madeby said comparison means, at least one or both of a focusing functionand an image stabilizing function of said image pickup unit.
 30. Animage pickup system according to claim 24, wherein said plurality ofdevice units include an image pickup unit, and further comprisingcontrol means for, according to the result of comparison made by saidcomparison means, at least stopping a light projecting function of saidimage pickup unit or decreasing an amount of light projection of saidimage pickup unit.
 31. An image pickup device comprising: a) imagepickup means; b) transmission means for externally transmitting data ofelectric power consumption by said image pickup device; and c) receivingmeans for, after the data of electric power consumption is transmitted,receiving a signal for controlling an action of said image pickup deviceaccording to the data of electric power consumption.
 32. A computercomprising: a) receiving means for receiving, from an image pickupdevice, data relating to electric power consumption by said image pickupdevice; and b) transmission means for transmitting to said image pickupdevice a signal for controlling an action of said image pickup deviceaccording to the data of electric power consumption received by saidreceiving means.